September 24-27, 2025 | UCLG ASPAC, in collaboration with Goyang Special City in the Republic of Korea, successfully hosted the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress at the KINTEX 1 Convention Centre. Over three days, 807 representatives from 173 local governments and partner organisations across 25 countries gathered in 31 sessions dedicated to high-level discussions dedicated to achieving sustainable urban development.
Under the theme “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future,” the Congress provided a platform for high-level discussions on sustainable development, cooperation, with special focus on the region’s priorities such as climate resilience, economic recovery, digital transformation, inclusive governance, and the role of local governments in tackling global challenges. The event concluded with the adoption of the Goyang Call for Action, reaffirming the commitment of Asia-Pacific local governments to building resilient, sustainable, and people-centred cities. This milestone event also saw key leadership elections, the launching of City and Local Government (CLG) Institute, and several significant international collaborations.
The Congress opened with a vibrant cultural performance and the presentation of the Congress theme video, followed by welcome and congratulatory remarks from distinguished leaders. Mayor Lee Donghwan of Goyang underscored that climate resilience and self-sufficiency are no longer a choice but a condition for survival, calling for cooperation that endures beyond declarations and creates real change for future generations. Mayor Lee Jang-woo of Daejeon, incoming President of UCLG World, commended the timeliness of the Congress theme, while Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, President of UCLG ASPAC, highlighted the urgency of local action in addressing converging global challenges. Remarks from Gyeonggi Province’s Vice Governor for Economy, Mr. Ko Youngin, and ESCAP Executive Secretary Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana further reinforced the importance of collaboration and solidarity among cities.
Main Forum: Setting the Tone
Following the opening ceremony, the Main Forum emphasised self-sufficiency as an important foundation for resilient cities. Moderated by Dr. Emil Elestianto Dardak, Vice Governor of East Java, Indonesia, the session featured insights from Cr. Darriea Turley, Vice President, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Mr. Gao Jin, Deputy Mayor, People’s Government of Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China, and Ms. Kazuko Ishigaki, Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific ROAP, UNHABITAT Japan.
Speakers shared strategies on climate adaptation, economic self-reliance, renewable energy, inclusive urban planning, and regional cooperation. The dialogue concluded that self-sufficient cities are not isolated, but are future-ready cities built on resilience, inclusivity, and innovation within their governance and development.
Key Highlights of the Congress
Election of UCLG ASPAC Leadership for 2025-2027
One of the most significant outcomes of the Congress was the election of new leaders who will steer UCLG ASPAC through the 2025-2027 term. Mr. Dakila Carlo Cua, President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and Governor of Quirino Province, was re-elected as the President of UCLG ASPAC.
The position will also be supported by the newly elected Co-Presidents:
- Mr. Donghwan Lee, Mayor of Goyang Special City, representing the East and Northeast Asia sub-region.
- Mr. Sam Broughton, President of Local Government New Zealand and Mayor of Selwyn District Council, representing the Pacific sub-region.
- Mr. Bhim Prasad Dhungana, President of the Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) and Mayor of b, representing the South and Southwest Asia sub-region for the period 2025-2026.
- Ms. Laxmi Devi Pandey, Chairperson of the National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN) and Mayor of Hupsekot Rural Municipality, representing the South and Southwest Asia sub-region for the period 2026-2027.
- Ms. Li Xiaoqin, Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Congress and President of the Guangzhou Institute of Socialism, representing women in local government.
Additionally, the following representatives of ex-officio were appointed to significant leadership positions:
- Dr. Pramono Anung Wibowo, Governor of Jakarta Capital City Government holds the position of Co-President for the Host of the UCLG ASPAC Secretariat.
- Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju Shrestha, Mayor of Dhulikhel Municipality, serves as Immediate Past President.
- Cr. Chen Haosu, the founding father of UCLG ASPAC, serves as Co-President for Founding.
The 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress also elected sub-regional representatives to both the Executive Bureau and Council. Click here for more information.
The First Roundtable of Local Government Leaders
The First Roundtable of Local Government Leaders, provided a high-level platform for open dialogue for Asia-Pacific local mayors and governors to exchange views on advancing the UCLG ASPAC 2026-2030 Agenda. Under the theme “Manifesting the Future: The Role of Local Government Leaders in Advancing the UCLG ASPAC 2026–2030 Agenda”, discussions focused on climate resilience, inclusive governance, digital innovation, and the vital role of local leadership in addressing global challenges.
The roundtable also provided a strategic forum to reflect on the UCLG ASPAC Manifesto 2026-2030 and its alignment with local development priorities, leading to stronger cooperation among cities in the region.
The Launch of the UCLG ASPAC Manifesto 2026-2030
The launch of the UCLG ASPAC Manifesto 2026-2030 marked a turning point in the region’s strategic approach to sustainable urban development. The Manifesto, developed through extensive consultations and a series of drafts, represents a regional commitment to action. It sets out clear priorities, including:
- Digital Transformation – 16.03% of selections
- Climate Action and Resilience – 11.45%
- Economic Growth and Job Creation – 9.92%
- Infrastructure Development – 6.87%
- Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development – 6.11%
It also highlights gender equality, public health, social protection, and urban mobility as cross-cutting priorities, reflecting the diverse needs of the region.
The Launch of the CLG Institute
A key development at the Congress was the launch of the CLG Institute, established by UCLG ASPAC to advance its advocacy for sustainable urban development. The Institute will focus on research, knowledge management, and building the capacity of local governments in the Asia-Pacific region. It has signed MoUs with Yonsei University’s Center for International Studies (CIS) and Korea University to foster joint research, knowledge sharingon topics such as smart urban development, nature-based solutions, and air quality management.
Furthermore, the Institute aims to drive innovation, public participation, and the use of digital technologies to create more inclusive, sustainable cities.
Expanding International Cooperation
Goyang Special City also achieved several significant international milestones. Notably, the city signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Yiwu Municipal People’s Government, to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, education, and tourism. Goyang Special City also joined the UCLG ASPAC Logistics Committee, expanding collaboration in global logistics innovation.
Thematic Forums, Side Events, and Mayors Academy Graduation
The Congress hosted the Graduation of the Asia-Pacific Mayors Academy Class of 2025, where mayors were formally recognised for their leadership in advancing sustainable urban solutions. Five Sub-Forums also further explored the congress theme, focusing on job creation (SME/entrepreneurship ecosystems and workforce resilience), youth leadership (governance, education, civic participation), energy self-sufficiency (renewables, financing), family-friendly cities (climate resilience, affordable care services, safe design), and urban growth (smart planning, climate adaptation, and housing/mobility).
These discussions were complemented by an Innovation Corner talk show, side events including the Women in Local Leadership Networking Session, a dialogue on climate-induced internal migration, and Learning & Pairing sessions on nature-based solutions and urban mobility, all of which enriched the Congress with diverse perspectives and practical insights
The Congress also hosted the Graduation of the Asia-Pacific Mayors Academy Class of 2025, where mayors were formally recognised for their leadership in advancing sustainable urban solutions. Five Sub-Forums also further explored the congress theme, focusing on job creation (SME/entrepreneurship ecosystems and workforce resilience), youth leadership (governance, education, civic participation), energy self-sufficiency (renewables, financing), family-friendly cities (climate resilience, affordable care services, safe design), and urban growth (smart planning, climate adaptation, and housing/mobility).
These discussions were complemented by an Innovation Corner talkshow, side events including the Women in Local Leadership Networking Session, a dialogue on climate-induced internal migration, and Learning & Pairing sessions on nature-based solutions and urban mobility, all of which enriched the Congress with diverse perspectives and practical insights.
Commitment to Sustainability
A symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Ilsan Lake Park, where Goyang planted a white pine, symbolising friendship, demonstrated the shared commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and climate resilience. This act of environmental stewardship aligns with the Congress’s overarching focus on sustainable cities.
Showcasing Goyang Special City’s Charm
Finally, participants also experienced Goyang Special City’s rich history, culture and innovation through a tour which included visits to the Haengjusanseong Fortress, Janghang Wetlands, Hyundai Motorstudio and the Aerospace Museum.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress paves the way for further progress in addressing the critical issues facing the Asia-Pacific region. Moving forward, UCLG ASPAC will focus on implementing the Goyang Call for Action, with special emphasis on youth participation, digital transformation, AI, smart infrastructure, and climate adaptation. The UCLG ASPAC Manifesto 2026-2030 will continue to guide these efforts, ensuring that regional challenges are met with local leadership and collective action.
Global Participation
Participants came from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, represented at the Congress from 25 countries: Australia, Kiribati, China, Japan, Cambodia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Hong Kong, Spain, Canada, Nigeria, USA, Iran, Germany, and Turkiye. These countries contributed to the richness of discussions, ensuring a diverse global perspective that strengthened regional cooperation and initiatives discussed during the Congress. Dialogues between the Asia-Pacific and other regions were also held.
Conclusion
In her closing speech, Secretary General Bernadia of UCLG ASPAC expresses her gratitude to Goyang Special City for its exceptional hosting of the Congress, which brought together a diverse group of local leaders committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient future. The outcomes of the Congress will continue to shape the future of local governance across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering greater cooperation and innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.
